Gan Shan Station: Asian Cuisine from the Mountains

Born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, Patrick O’Cain, owner and chef of Gan Shan Station, drew his inspiration from his experiences and the very hometown from which he grew up in. After working as a teacher, he followed his passion for cooking and attended AB Tech’s culinary program. He was a member of the Culinary Competition Team while working at Asheville’s Curate. He later received an internship at the renowned McCrady’s restaurant in Charleston, SC after which he was offered a full time position. He left McCrady’s to help open Charleston’s Xiao Bao Biscuit before deciding to return home to the mountains. Patrick saw potential in the old gas station and turned it into Gan Shan Station, naming it for the Sunset Mountain where he grew up.

photo courtesy of Gan Shan Station

Gan Shan Station’s food is a delicate blend of Asian cuisine and American flavors. It is perfect for Asian food lovers everywhere serving house made dumplings with thick skinned, boiled meat or vegetarian option to pork ramen, a dish comprised of pork belly, soft egg, scallion, sprouts, pork broth, radish, and alkaline noodles. Their menu changes frequently but all maintain an Asian flavor and design making it stand out amongst the local cuisine. The prices are fair and they offer gluten free and vegetarian friendly options. The décor is an industrial spin on a kitchen bar providing for a relaxed, yet sophisticated layout suitable for quick gatherings or long dinners.

With Asian food being at the top of my list for must eat places, Gan Shan Station brings home some of my most favorable dishes that are usually not found at other Asian cuisine establishments. Topping off their list of reasons to try Gan Shan Station is one of my favorite alcoholic beverages served at their restaurant, Sake. It’s a rarity to find a place that serves such good food with one of my favorite beverages within the small town of Asheville, NC.